Summary
Maize roots were grown between 1 mm glass beads on which a pressure of 40 kPa was applied. The roots were supplied with a constant flow of aerated nutrient solution. Compared with roots grown in a nutrient solution, the impeded crown roots showed a reduction in length of about 75%, whereas the diameter was about 50% increased.
These changes in root morphology have been attributed to changes in cell wall structure of the cortex cells, which also occur as a result of the influence of ethylene.
It is suggested that ethylene acts as an intermediate factor in the effect of mechanical impedance on root growth.
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Veen, B.W. The influence of mechanical impedance on the growth of maize roots. Plant Soil 66, 101–109 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02203407
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02203407